BILL NUMBER: SB 1226	CHAPTERED  08/23/04

	CHAPTER  243
	FILED WITH SECRETARY OF STATE  AUGUST 23, 2004
	APPROVED BY GOVERNOR  AUGUST 23, 2004
	PASSED THE ASSEMBLY  AUGUST 9, 2004
	PASSED THE SENATE  MAY 10, 2004
	AMENDED IN SENATE  APRIL 26, 2004
	AMENDED IN SENATE  MARCH 17, 2004

INTRODUCED BY   Senator Machado
   (Coauthors:  Assembly Members Wiggins and Wolk)

                        FEBRUARY 11, 2004

   An act to add Section 425.10 to the Government Code, relating to
State Grass.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   SB 1226, Machado.  State Grass.
   Existing law declares the official State Animal, Rock, Mineral,
and Bird, among other official things.
   This bill would make purple needlegrass, or Nassella pulchra, the
official State Grass.


THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:


  SECTION 1.  The Legislature hereby finds and declares all of the
following:
   (a) Nassella pulchra, or purple needlegrass as it is commonly
known, is the most extensive and widespread native perennial
bunchgrass found in the state, with a range extending from the Oregon
border into northern Baja California.
   (b) The seed of this grass species was one of several used by many
California Native American communities as a food source.  It remains
an important food source for wildlife.
   (c) During the period of Mexican control of California, Nassella
pulchra was used for cattle grazing to support the huge cowhide and
tallow industry.  Today, Nassella pulchra continues to provide forage
for California's important cattle industry.
   (d) The deep root systems of this grass support the survival of
young oak trees by promoting mycorrihizal fungi, which are important
to their health.With a lifespan of up to 100 years, Nassella pulchra
provides food for more than 330 terrestrial species of life.
   (e) Once established, Nassella pulchra helps repel the invasion of
weeds and has been used for numerous restoration projects such as
establishing a specific habitat for fauna, erosion control, and
stormwater containment levees.  It is hardy, drought resistant,
desirable forage to livestock, and easily recognizable.
   (f) Nassella pulchra burns more slowly than flash-burning annual
stubble and speeds postfire recovery of burned habitat.
   (g) Because Nassella pulchra is native to California, many who
work with native plants and habitat restoration have already
informally named this species as the State Grass.
   (h) With new species of exotic grasses and weeds emerging
everyday, it is important to recognize Nassella pulchra as a symbol
of the heritage, splendor, and natural diversity found in the early
days of California.
   (i) Nassella pulchra is used as a teaching tool as a symbol of the
natural environment of early California, and protecting the history
of Nassella pulchra is essential to safeguarding this precious
resource and enhancing grassland heritage throughout the state.
  SEC. 2.  Section 425.10 is added to the Government Code, to read:
   425.10.  Purple needlegrass, or Nassella pulchra, is the official
State Grass.